Doctor's Orders: Feb. 6, 2006

Hormone-replacement therapy poses dangers for postmenopausal women, but a study in the Journal of Women's Health finds that starting HRT earlier, at the beginning of menopause, may cut the risk of heart disease 30%.

THE FIRST OTC DIET PILL?

If an FDA advisory-panel decision holds, a nonprescription version of the diet drug Xenical may soon hit stores. Doctors warn that it's no magic bullet; side effects include oily stools and diarrhea.

DIABETICS, TAKE A DEEP BREATH

The FDA has approved the first inhalable insulin, Pfizer's Exubera. Experts hope the user-friendly alternative to injections will get more diabetics...